New sea ice forecasting tool aims to help Western Alaska communities travel, subsist safely

New sea ice forecasting tool aims to help Western Alaska communities travel, subsist safely

In April, the border between Nome’s sandy beaches and the Bering Sea is invisible, covered by feet of frozen water and snow. Throughout the day, crabbers can be spotted darting across the ice on snowmachines, plopping giant metal crab pots into holes in the white expanse. They return every few days to check on their haul. In May, over 17 hours of daylight will melt what’s left of the sea ice. Big chunks will drift and collide until they’re whitt…